College Professor
College professors teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, conduct research, publish papers and supervise theses. In India this typically requires an advanced degree (MA/MSc/MTech/LLM) and a PhD or equivalent research record for tenure-track positions.
Actions for your grade
- Focus on strong board exam performance and foundational concepts
- Start basic subject-specific projects and online courses in areas of interest
- Talk to college teachers and alumni to understand academic careers
Your complete path from Grade 10 to College Professor
Every step you need — from now to your first job.
After M.Tech or PhD, strong research publications and teaching experience are needed for assistant professor roles.
- NowScience Stream
- ExamsJEE Main or JEE Advanced or BITSAT or MHT CET
- DegreeB.Tech (4 yrs) → M.Tech (2 yrs) / Ph.D (3+ yrs)
- CollegesIIT Bombay · IIT Delhi · IIT Kanpur
- CareerCollege Professor
Research experience, publications and fellowships (e.g., UGC/CSIR) strengthen academic job prospects.
- NowScience Stream
- ExamsCUET UG
- DegreeB.Sc (3 yrs) → M.Sc (2 yrs) → Ph.D (3-5 yrs)
- CollegesIISc Bengaluru · University of Delhi · St Xaviers College Mumbai
- CareerCollege Professor
For many universities, a PhD and a good publication record are essential for permanent faculty positions.
- NowArts Stream
- ExamsCUET UG
- DegreeBA (3 yrs) → MA (2 yrs) → Ph.D (3-5 yrs)
- CollegesJawaharlal Nehru University · University of Delhi · Calcutta University
- CareerCollege Professor
LLM followed by PhD and published research increase chances for law faculty roles at top law schools.
- NowArts Stream
- ExamsCLAT
- DegreeBA LLB (5 yrs) or LLB (3 yrs) → LLM → Ph.D in Law
- CollegesNational Law School of India University Bengaluru · National Law University Delhi · NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad
- CareerCollege Professor
Entrance exams
| Exam | Eligibility | Difficulty | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
JEE Main NTA | Class 12 PCM | Very Hard | Jan & Apr |
JEE Advanced IIT (rotating) | JEE Main top 2.5L | Very Hard | May |
BITSAT BITS Pilani | Class 12 PCM, 75%+ | Hard | May-Jun |
MHT CET Maharashtra State CET Cell | Class 12 PCM (Maharashtra domicile preferred) | Medium | Apr-May |
CUET UG NTA | Class 12 (any stream) | Medium | May-Jun |
CLAT Consortium of NLUs | Class 12, 45%+ | Hard | Dec |
Where to Study
Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.